Keith Burdette and Pat Ford of The West Virginia Polymer Alliance Zone (PAZ) traveled to The Woodlands near Houston to attend the World Chemical Forum where they continued PAZ’s efforts to recruit new investments and jobs to the region and to West Virginia.
The Forum brought together key industry leaders, suppliers, and researchers from around the world. According to Keith, “personal relationships play a powerful role in attracting new industry to our region. It starts there first. People do business with people they know and trust. Being with industry decision makers gives us an opportunity to introduce ourselves and tell them why West Virginia is the right place to grow their business.”
PAZ works to foster the growth of manufacturing industries in ten West Virginia counties along the Ohio River.
“Our presence at the World Chemical Forum focused on showcasing West Virginia’s attractiveness for polymer and chemical manufacturing. We were able to discuss opportunities for collaboration and explore how West Virginia is positioning itself as a prime location for polymer-chemical based industries,” said Ford.
The World Chemical Forum is a high-level international conference focused on the global chemical, polymer and energy industries. It brings together executives, analysts, policymakers, and innovators to discuss trends shaping the future of chemicals, petrochemicals, polymers and energy.
The West Virginia Polymer Alliance Zone (PAZ) is West Virginia’s largest regional economic development organization. It is focused on the growth of our existing industrial base and the recruitment of new manufacturing industries ultimately resulting in new, high-quality jobs for our region and our state. PAZ spans 10 counties along the Ohio River in West Virginia, from Wayne (south) to Ohio county (north).
